Rocket firing system for sequential firing of rocket motor groups

Abstract

An aerial target vehicle has an aerodynamically stabilized body carrying plural rocket motors. An ignition system for the motors serves to fire the motors in selected groups at selected time intervals. The ignition system uses a capacitor as its sole power source. The capacitor is charged only after the motors are in place and the vehicle is ready for launch. A capacitor-powered logic circuit ignites the motor groups at the selected time intervals. The sequential firing of the rocket motors provides a quasi-maneuverable target with relatively long range and flight time. The capacitive power arrangement is a safety factor that prevents premature firing of the rocket due to transient currents.

We claim: 
     
       1. A rocket firing system adapted to be carried on a rocket propelled vehicle for controlling the firing in groups of plural rocket motors on the vehicle, comprising: a capacitor;   connector means for connecting the capacitor to a source of charging power external to the vehicle;   ignition switches for electrically connecting the capacitor to respective groups of the rocket motors; and   timing means for controlling operations of the switches.   
     
     
       2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the timing means are electrically operated and electrically connected to the capacitor to receive operating power therefrom. 
     
     
       3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the connector means include means for connecting the timing means to a launch signal source external to the vehicle and the timing means are responsive to a launch signal from the launch signal source to initiate operation of the timing means. 
     
     
       4. A system according to claim 3, including a voltage regulator connected between the capacitor and the timing means. 
     
     
       5. A system according to claim 4, including time delay means connected to the voltage regulator, switch means connected between the voltage regulator and the timing means and to the time delay means, the switch means being adapted to close in response to a control signal from the time delay means representative of a predetermined elapsed time from an application of electric power to the voltage regulator. 
     
     
       6. A system according to claim 2, wherein the timing means include a counter and a decoder connected to the counter to generate firing time signals when preselected firing times are reached. 
     
     
       7. A system according to claim 6, wherein the counter includes clock means for operating the counter at a predetermined rate. 
     
     
       8. A system according to claim 7, including a pulse generator for generating firing pulses at a predetermined rate and for a predetermined duration, a second decoder receiving the firing time signals and the firing pulses and emitting ignition signals to the respective ignition switches while a firing time signal and a firing pulse are simultaneously being received. 
     
     
       9. A system according to claim 8, including inhibiting means connected to the switch means and the pulse generator, the inhibiting means operating in response to closing of the circuit power switch to generate an initial inhibiting signal for a predetermined time, the pulse generator being responsive to the receipt of the inhibiting signal to send an ignition inhibiting signal to the second decoder, preventing the decoder from emitting an ignition signal.